If you’re in love with the idea of visiting Venice but can’t stand the overwhelming crowds, then Treviso is the perfect holiday destination for you. This historic Italian city offers a crowd-free alternative to Venice, which receives an average of 52,000 visitors a day and up to 110,000 visitors a day during the summer months. Located just 30 minutes away from Venice by train, Treviso is often overlooked by tourists who only see it as the location of Venice’s second airport. However, Treviso has so much to offer with its rich history, medieval city walls, and picturesque canals. Not to mention, the hotels in Treviso are much more affordable compared to those in Venice. According to travel finance site Budget Your Trip, the average price for a hotel room is £73 ($89) a night in Treviso, whereas it’s £111 ($135) a night in Venice. Here are five things to do when you visit Treviso:
1. Explore Treviso’s charming canals: Although Venice may have grander waterways, Treviso has its own set of beautiful canals. The Sile and Botteniga rivers flow through the town’s historic walls and weave through the city. Lonely Planet suggests visiting the prettiest canal, the Canale dei Buranelli, which runs through the center of Treviso. No wonder Treviso is referred to as “Little Venice.” You can either explore the man-made canal system on your own or join a guided tour around the center of Treviso.
2. Visit the Fontana Delle Tette: Translating to “fountain of breasts,” the Fontana Delle Tette is a unique fountain carved into the shape of a woman with water flowing from her breasts. Lonely Planet reveals that the current fountain is a 1989 reproduction of the original, which was gifted to the city by Venice in 1559 to commemorate the end of a drought. The original fountain is on display in the Loggia dei Cavalieri building, while the replica can be found on Calle del Podestà. Historically, wine used to flow from the statue, with red wine from one breast and white wine from the other. Unfortunately, the tradition no longer continues. Venice also had its own wine fountain in St Mark’s Square, which was filled with wine during the city’s annual carnival.
3. Take a break in Piazza dei Signori: Venice is famous for its piazzas, with St Mark’s Square being the most renowned. In Treviso, the 13th-century Piazza dei Signori takes the spotlight as the “heart of the medieval city,” according to Visit Italy. Surrounded by historic palaces like Palazzo dei Trecento and Palazzo del Podestà, this square is the perfect place to sit outside on a sunny day. You can relax on the terraces of the numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes, enjoying an Aperol spritz or a leisurely lunch while watching the world go by. Make sure to order a serving of tiramisù, the world-famous dessert that originated in Treviso. Don’t forget to explore Treviso’s other main squares, such as San Vito Piazza and Piazza del Duomo.
4. Visit Treviso’s cathedral: While hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to St Mark’s Basilica in Venice, you can enjoy a more serene experience by visiting Treviso’s own striking cathedral, the Cathedral of St Peter the Apostle. This Roman Catholic landmark features distinctive green domes and dates back to the 6th century, although it has been rebuilt since then. Guarded by six Roman columns, the cathedral houses the Malchiostro Annunciation painting by the Renaissance artist Titian, which is its main attraction. You can also explore the 11th-century crypt beneath the cathedral. Afterward, take a stroll through Treviso’s other historical churches, like Chiesa di San Nicolo and Chiesa di San Francesco.
5. View the 16th-century city walls: One of Treviso’s most captivating features is its city walls, built in the 1500s to defend against medieval assault techniques. Veneto Way notes that during the summer, food and wine events are organized along these walls. You can follow the walls around the city and even walk on certain sections, as recommended by Tripadvisor user ‘Wembley1966’ who described it as a pleasant evening stroll. Similarly, Venice has its own defensive system with forts, batteries, and octagon-shaped islands with defensive walls built by the Republic of Venice in the 14th century to protect the city and the Venice Lagoon.
By visiting Treviso, you can enjoy the beauty and history of Venice without the overwhelming crowds. Take advantage of this hidden gem and explore all that this charming city has to offer.
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